- The Oakland County Treasurer’s Office, in partnership with Oakland Schools, Flagstar Bank, and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, is accepting entries for the 2026 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest.
- Oakland County public high school students are invited to submit 2-D artwork (including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, and illustration) or video that reflects the theme of financial empowerment, with entries due by 11:59 p.m. on March 13, 2026.
- A total of $10,000 in cash prizes, sponsored by Flagstar Bank, will be awarded to first, second, and third-place winners and honorable mentions across all grade levels. Winning artwork and videos will be displayed for one year inside the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office and featured on the Treasurer’s website.
Pontiac, Mich., December 1, 2025 — The Oakland County Treasurer’s Office, in partnership with Oakland Schools, Flagstar Bank, and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, announces the opening of submissions for the 2026 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest. Submissions must be made through the Treasurer’s Office website by 11:59 p.m. on March 13, 2026.
Oakland County public high school students are invited to submit 2-D artwork—including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, and illustration—or video that creatively explores the financial empowerment theme.
“Each year, this contest shows how powerfully young people see the world and how confidently they express their hopes, challenges, and ambitions,” said Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg. “Financial empowerment is a vital life skill that influences decisions now and opens up possibilities for the future. Our students bring this to life through art, inspiring all of us. I encourage every eligible student to participate and share their unique voice.”
Students are encouraged to explore the financial empowerment theme and reflect their unique perspectives, creativity and innovation. Entries will be evaluated on creativity, artistic execution, and alignment with the financial empowerment theme.
“Creativity is at the heart of problem-solving and innovation—it shows up in artwork just as much as it does in figuring out how to manage a budget,” said Lisa Brownfield, Relationship Manager, Government Banking at Flagstar. “As a continued sponsor, Flagstar is excited to champion this contest giving students a meaningful opportunity to drive change and empower our community to feel more in control of their lives, their finances, and their future.”
Cash prizes will be awarded from a $10,000 prize pool funded by Flagstar Bank. First, second, and third-place winners, along with honorable mentions, will be recognized at each grade level. The winning artwork will be displayed for one year inside the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office and on the website.
"This contest invites students to bring their imagination forward while engaging with themes that have real impact on their futures," said Oakland Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman. "Understanding financial concepts is an essential life skill, and each year, students find inventive ways to express those ideas through their artwork. We encourage students across our public schools to participate and look forward to the insight and creativity this year's entries will showcase.”
The contest reflects the continued partnership among the Treasurer’s Office and organizations committed to strengthening financial awareness, supporting youth development, and expanding learning opportunities across Oakland County.
For submission guidelines and examples of previous winning entries, visit oakgov.com/arts.
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For media interviews, please contact:
Ainsley Lengerich
Oakland Schools
Ainsley.Lengerich@oakland.k12.mi.us
248.209.2114
Renée T. Walker
Oakland County Treasurer’s Office
walkerr@oakgov.com
313.719.8038
Steven Bodakowski
Flagstar Bank
248.312.5872
